I'm officially a newbie on this site, though I've been actively reading numerous reviews and threads for quite some time and I wanted to give a quick introduction for those who care.
After years of visiting this site, I decided to see if it were at all possible to become a member. I sent an email to Ran and was told that I needed to,
1) write well
2) have interesting things to add in regards to golf course architecture (for instance, can you tell me your likes/dislikes as regards to golf course architecture?), and
3) be tolerant of opposing view points.
I figured I would introduce myself to all of you by passing along my reply to Ran since he told me it was "a great email." So here it goes....
Thanks for your reply. I definitely enjoy writing and feel as though
I express myself well when putting pen to paper.
In terms of golf course architecture, I am not a designer and have not
been schooled in the art of golf course architecture. What I am is an
avid golfer (borderline obsessed) that loves nothing more than playing
an elite golf course. I spend a lot of time on GCA.com, probably too
much time, just admiring top golf courses and individual holes around
the world.
Unfortunately, this has made be quite a bit of a “golf snob” when
choosing a course to play. As much as I enjoy a round of golf, I want
to stimulated out there with a unique and challenging design. There’s
nothing more I hate than playing a round on a new course and hours
later, not being able to remember a majority of the holes. I feel
like a variety in design is one of the key factors in determining a
great golf course.
I’ve played rounds at National (NGLA), Bethpage, and Pebble Beach and
I can always remember every single shot I hit and how each hole lays
out. Playing National was a very surreal experience (as was Pebble,
but in an entirely different way). In my mind, it is exactly what a
golf course should be.
As for you last point about being tolerant of opposing viewpoints,
that wont be a problem. I’m not here to make enemies, but gain
friends!
Please let me know if you’d like to know anything else. I tried my
best to keep this short.
So there it is. I’m already enjoying myself on the site as I’ve already received numerous messages after a recent post I made about Bethpage.
I look forward to connecting with many of you!